ICYMI last night the shortlist for the 14th BBC National Short Story Award was announced, 5 stories inspired by #MeToo , Brexit and Trump. Get the anthology, available now from your local bookshop (if you don’t see it just ask!) 🏆 #BBCNSSA#shortstoriespic.twitter.com/oXeHjdjT9q

“A disturbing and powerful story about growing up and coming to terms with life’s realities. Read by Carolyn Pickles. Produced by Simon Richardson.” (BBC Sounds, Summer Stories)

A typical (and typically wonderful) Lawrence story linking human desire to the relentless struggle, conflict and pathos of animals in nature. A powerful but deathly joy found in embracing the second best available mate. Listen

RTÉ has been a terrific supporter and host for the short story genre, through their annual Francis MacManus short story competition, an opportunity for 10 writers to have their stories featured on Irish national radio as well as a shot at one of the big three prizes. Irish short story writers, you’ll never get a better opportunity to be heard.

Check the rules carefully. For example, each page must end on a full stop; haven’t seen that one before but it makes sense for reading out on the radio. Postal entries only. Follow the rules carefully, check one-by-one. Otherwise you might as well throw your hat at it. (Steve)

“Ian McMillan gets into the subjunctive mood with brand new writing from Toby Litt, a new poetry commission from Holly Pester, on the subjunctive in welsh with Menna Elfyn and Rob Drummond explains why the subjunctive is dying out amongst the young…” (The Verb, BBC Radio 3, 1 Feb. 2019)